Stamped ball socket

ABSTRACT

A stamped ball socket for attaching a headlamp pod to a mounting bracket comprising a base having an opening which is adapted to accept a fastener. The ball socket further comprising at least two walls extending from the base and at least two lock-in fingers protruding at an angle from the walls. The lock-in fingers and the walls of the ball socket flex to allow a pivot ball to be inserted between the lock-in fingers such that when the pivot ball is fully inserted it is adjustably retained in the ball socket by the lock-in fingers. Additionally, the base, walls, and lock-in fingers of the present invention are integrally formed by stamping a single piece of metal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/353,974, filed Jan. 31, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to automotive lamps. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to ball sockets securingautomotive headlamps.

Generally, automotive headlamp designs include a headlamp pod and amechanism for mounting the headlamp pod to the rest of the automobilestructure. The headlamp assembly usually consists of at least threebasic parts. First, there is the light source itself which provides theillumination. This source is enclosed by the headlamp pod which containsa concave reflective surface that focuses the light toward the front ofthe automobile. There is also a translucent lens which allows the lightto pass through but protects the light source from the elements. Thisentire headlamp pod must be attached to the rest of the automobile.

There are several qualities that are desirable in the attachment of theheadlamp pod to the rest of the automobile structure. First, it isdesirable for the attachment to be secure once the headlamp pod ismounted to the automobile. This is important considering the continuousvibration that an automobile endures as it travels. Over time thisvibration could cause the headlamp to become loose or even detach fromthe automobile, potentially causing a severe accident. Second, it isdesirable in manufacturing for the attachment to require minimum forceto attach the headlamp pod to the mounting bracket. Minimum force toattach the headlamp pod is desirable because such an attachment wouldexert minimum stress on the components of the assembly minimizing thechance of premature failure due to weakening of the components. Third,it is desirable for the attachment to allow the pivoting of the headlamppod to aim the resulting light beams. This allows the headlamp to beadjusted to properly illuminate the surface of the road and the space infront of the vehicle.

Commonly, assemblies used to attach headlamp pods to automobiles employa mounting bracket firmly attached to the automobile. These mountingbrackets are then fit with a number (usually two or three) of postswhich each terminate in an adjuster pivot ball. A headlamp pod is fittedwith corresponding ball sockets which mate with the pivot balls, therebyattaching the pod by two or three pivot points to the mounting bracket.Currently, there are numerous ball socket designs, most of which aremolded of nylon. These designs vary from one-piece to three-piececonstructions. In addition to designs using only nylon, other currentdesigns employ combinations of nylon and a steel bracket.

Some of the current molded designs allow the ball to be snapped into thesocket in one assembly motion. This is a desirable design feature thatmakes assembly more efficient. These designs typically employ aone-piece construction using molded nylon. However, because of the dielock molding process employed in their manufacture these designs must beforced from their mold core. This process limits the resulting moldedball socket's ability to hold the ball in place and preventdisengagement.

Thus, a need exists for a ball socket which can be manufacturedinexpensively and which allows the ball to be mated to the socket inone, relatively simple assembly motion. Additionally, the ball socketmust not suffer from the lack of retention strength of current moldedone-piece ball sockets.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a ball socket design comprising asingle metal piece stamped to form a ball socket for attaching headlamppods securely to a mounting bracket on an automobile. The presentinvention pivotably attaches a headlamp pod to a mounting bracket havingone or more adjuster pivot balls. In particular, the stamped ball socketof the present invention is pivotably attached to the headlamp pod byutilizing a fastener, such as, for example, an attachment screw,inserted through an attachment hole and into the headlamp pod. Themounting bracket is then attached by inserting the adjuster pivot ballinto the stamped ball socket. However, the present invention may also beutilized to connect a headlamp pod with an adjuster pivot ball to amounting bracket without an adjuster pivot ball simply by securing thestamped ball socket to the mounting bracket utilizing a fastenerinserted through the attachment hole. The adjuster pivot ball is theninserted into the stamped ball socket to secure the headlamp pod.

The ball socket of the present invention comprises a base having anopening which is adapted to accept a fastener. The fastener is insertedthrough the opening and engages the headlamp pod to fixedly secure theball socket to the headlamp pod. The ball socket further comprises atleast two walls extending from the base and at least two lock-in fingersprotruding at an angle from the walls. The lock-in fingers and the wallsof the ball socket of the present invention flex to allow a pivot ballto be inserted between the lock-in fingers such that when the pivot ballis fully inserted it is adjustably retained in the ball socket by thelock-in fingers. In addition, the base, walls, and lock-in fingers ofthe present invention are integrally formed by stamping a single pieceof metal.

While many embodiments of the present invention are possible andintended to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto, threeexemplary embodiments are described herein. The first exemplaryembodiment comprises four walls, with each wall having an angled lead-intab at one end. Extending from the four lead-in tabs are four lock-infingers which project into the stamped ball socket at the same angle asthe angled lead-in tabs. The second exemplary embodiment comprises twowalls, which are wider than the walls in the first exemplary embodiment.Again, each wall is bent outwards and terminates in an angled lead-intab and also further comprises lock-in fingers. Extending from the othertwo sides are sidewalls, which are shorter than the other two walls.Finally, the third exemplary embodiment comprises two walls, each withlock-in fingers. The lock-in fingers of this exemplary embodiment havean arcuate edge surface which, along with the upper portion of the wall,is folded inwards at an angle. Each embodiment allows an adjuster pivotball to be snapped into the ball socket in one assembly motion, with theadjuster pivot ball then pivotably secured to the ball socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of astamped ball socket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the sheet metal required to form the stampedball socket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of a headlamp assemblyemploying three stamped ball sockets of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of astamped ball socket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the sheet metal required to form the stampedball socket of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of astamped ball socket in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a top view of the sheet metal required to form the stampedball socket of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shownin FIG. 1, stamped ball socket 10 is a one-piece stamping of a singleflat sheet of metal 15 as depicted in FIG. 2. The present invention maybe stamped from any suitable metal known in the art, such asheat-treated spring steel or half-hard RC 32 300 series stainless steel.Stamping the present invention from a metal such as steel provides astronger socket than current molded sockets known in the art which areoften molded of nylon. Molded sockets must be flexed and forced fromtheir mold, limiting the amount of retention force which may be obtainedfrom a molded socket. In addition, sockets molded from nylon aresensitive to heat and moisture which can further reduce the retentionforce which may be obtained. This is not an issue with metal, such asthe steel described above, used for the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an assembly utilizing three stampedball sockets 10 to join headlamp pod 20 to a mounting bracket 40.Headlamp pod 20 may be any headlamp pod known in the art which requiresmounting on an automobile (not shown). Mounting bracket 40 may be, forexample, any bracket fixed to an automobile for the purpose ofsupporting a headlamp assembly. Alternatively, mounting bracket 40 maybe integrally formed as a support surface on the automobile. In eithercase, mounting bracket 40 is manufactured with one or more adjusterpivot balls 50 projecting on posts from its surface. As shown in FIG. 3,mounting bracket 40 is shown with three such adjuster pivot balls 50which snap into three stamped ball sockets 10.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the structure of the first exemplaryembodiment of stamped ball socket 10 is shown. In the center of base 60of stamped ball socket 10 is attachment hole 70 which allows stampedball socket 10 to be fixedly fastened to headlamp pod 20 using fastener30, as depicted in FIG. 3. While base 60 may be any one of a variety ofshapes, in FIG. 1 base 60 is shown with a square shape. Fastener 30 maybe any of a number of frictional or mechanical fasteners known in theart, such as a bolt or screw. As shown in FIG. 3, fastener 30 is anattachment screw. The four walls 80 of stamped ball socket 10 eachextend from one of the four sides of base 60. Four walls 80 are onlyattached on one side to base 60 and are not generally attached to eachother. This allows each wall 80 to flex slightly in a directionindependent of other walls 80. Distal to base 60, each wall 80 is bentoutwards and terminates in angled lead-in tab 90. Lead-in tabs 90 aid inguiding adjuster pivot balls 50 into stamped ball socket 10 during theassembly process.

Extending from four lead-in tabs 90 toward base 60 of stamped ballsocket 10 are four lock-in fingers 100 which project into stamped ballsocket 10 at the same angle as angled lead-in tabs 90. Lock-in fingers100 are peninsula-shaped portions of metal that are detached from walls80 on three sides by the stamping process which stamps out a roughlyW-shaped section of metal 105 which is outlined in FIG. 2. The fourthside of each lock-in finger 100 is not cut and is continuous with acorresponding angled lead-in tab 90. The side of each lock-in finger 100opposite angled lead-in tab 90 is arcuate in shape. Four lock-in fingers100 extend inward toward base 60 at an angle such that the four arcuateleading edges of lock-in fingers 100 define an opening that is roughlycircular in shape. The diameter of the circular opening created by thesefour arcuate sides is smaller than the diameter of adjuster pivot ball50.

Along with the head of fastener 30 and four walls 80, lock-in fingers100 define a ball retaining cavity in stamped ball socket 10. Lock-infingers 100 serve to lock adjuster pivot ball 50 in place in this ballretaining cavity and provide superior resistance to ball disengagementdue to vibration and wear. Lock-in fingers 100 also provide a surfacefor adjuster pivot ball 50 to swivel against as the headlights areaimed.

In assembly, the present invention allows for adjuster pivot ball 50 tobe snapped into stamped ball socket 10 in one assembly motion. Lead-intabs 90 guide the incoming adjuster pivot ball 50 toward the ballretaining cavity formed in stamped ball socket 10. Adjuster pivot ball50 is then able to slip past angled lock-in fingers 100 and through thecircular opening defined by the arcuate sides of angled lock-in fingers100. Adjuster pivot ball 50 may be inserted into stamped ball socket 10using only limited force because of the spring action of the socket'sfour walls 80. This spring action allows lock-in fingers 100 to flexapart enlarging the circular opening defined by their arcuate sides toaccommodate adjuster pivot ball 50. However, once adjuster pivot ball 50is in stamped ball socket 10, four walls 80 spring back into place andlock-in fingers 100 return to their original position so that theapproximately circular opening defined by their arcuate sides becomestoo small to allow adjuster pivot ball 50 to be removed. Whereas, uponinsertion, the inward force of adjuster pivot ball 50 pushes uponlock-in fingers 100 and flexes four walls 80 outward, the angle oflock-in fingers 100 is such that outward force on adjuster pivot ball 50does not flex four walls 80 in the same manner and removal of adjusterpivot ball 50 is prevented. In its locked position, adjuster pivot ball50 is held securely in position by the ends of four lock-in fingers 100against the head of fastener 30. Additionally, pivot ball 50 isadjustably secured in position so the aiming of the headlamp may beaccomplished.

Since stamped ball socket 10 is a single, stamped piece, it does notsuffer from the loss of retention force that molded nylon pieces sustainwhen they are forced off their molds. Instead, lock-in fingers 100securely hold adjuster pivot ball 50 in place through vibrationconditions. Because of stamped ball socket's 10 spring action walls 80and lead-in tabs 90, the required ball assembly force is also less thancurrent designs when compared at equal retention values. This allowsassembly and fixture flexibility.

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,stamped ball socket 110. Similar to the first exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1, stamped ball socket 110 also utilizes a designstamped from a single flat sheet of metal 115, such as heat-treatedspring steel or half-hard RC 32 300 series stainless steel. The shape ofthis single flat sheet of metal 115 is shown in FIG. 5. Also like thefirst exemplary embodiment, stamped ball socket 110 is configured tojoin a headlamp pod, such as headlamp pod 20, and a mounting bracket,such as mounting bracket 40, containing a number of adjuster pivot balls50. As shown in FIG. 4, stamped ball socket 110 has a square-shaped base120 containing attachment hole 135 which allows for the fastening ofstamped ball socket 110 to a headlamp pod using an attachment screw (notshown). Again, while base 120 is shown in FIG. 4 with a square shape,base 120 could be any one of variety of shapes including, for example,circular. Also, as in the earlier described exemplary embodiment, otherfasteners, such as a bolt, may be used instead of an attachment screw toallow stamped ball socket 110 to be attached to a headlamp.

Two walls 130 of stamped ball socket 110 each extend from opposite sidesof base 120. Two walls 130 are only attached on one side to base 120,allowing each wall 130 to flex slightly. Additionally, unlike in theprevious embodiment, walls 130 are wider than base 120 and widen justabove base 120. Like the previous embodiment, opposite of base 120, eachwall 130 is bent outwards and terminates in an angled lead-in tab 140.Lead-in tabs 140 aid in guiding adjuster pivot ball 50 into stamped ballsocket 110 during the assembly process. Extending from the other twosides of base 120 are sidewalls 150. Unlike walls 130, sidewalls 150 areslightly narrower than base 120. Additionally, sidewalls 150 are shorterthan walls 130 and serve merely to provide additional sidewaysrestriction on an inserted adjuster pivot ball 50 and to provide someadditional stability.

As in the previous embodiment, extending from two lead-in tabs 140 backtoward base 120 of stamped ball socket 110 are lock-in fingers 160 whichproject into stamped ball socket 110 at the same angle as angled lead-intabs 140. Lock-in fingers 160 are peninsula-shaped portions of metalthat are detached from walls 130 on three sides by the stamping processwhich stamps out a roughly W-shaped section of metal 145 as indicated inFIG. 5. The fourth side of each lock-in finger 160 is not cut and iscontinuous with a corresponding angled lead-in tab 140. The side of eachlock-in finger 160 opposite angled lead-in tab 140 is stamped such thatit is arcuate in shape. Both lock-in fingers 160 extend inward towardbase 120 at an angle such that the distance between the two arcuatesides of lock-in fingers 160 is less than the diameter of adjuster pivotball 50. Lock-in fingers 160 serve to lock adjuster pivot ball 50 inplace and provide superior resistance to ball disengagement due tovibration and wear than molded ball sockets.

Like the previous embodiment, the present embodiment also allows foradjuster pivot ball 50 to be snapped into stamped ball socket 110 in oneassembly motion. Lead-in tabs 140 guide the incoming adjuster pivot ball50 toward base 120 of the socket. Adjuster pivot ball 50 is then able toslip between the arcuate leading edges of angled lock-in fingers 160. Asin the previous embodiment, adjuster pivot ball 50 may be inserted intostamped ball socket 110 using only limited force because of the springaction of the socket's two walls 130. This spring action allows lock-infingers 160 to flex apart enlarging the distance between theirrespective arcuate edges to accommodate adjuster pivot ball 50. However,once adjuster pivot ball 50 is engaged in stamped ball socket 110, walls130 spring back into place and lock-in fingers 160 return to theiroriginal position so that the distance between their arcuate sidesbecomes too small to allow adjuster pivot ball 50 to be removed.Whereas, upon insertion, the inward force of adjuster pivot ball 50pushes upon lock-in fingers 160 and flexes walls 130. The angle oflock-in fingers 160 is such that outward force on adjuster pivot ball 50does not flex walls 130 and removal of adjuster pivot ball 50 isprevented.

While in the previous embodiment adjuster pivot ball 50 was tightly heldbetween fastener 30 and the arcuate leading edges of the four lock-infingers 100, the present embodiment only has two lock-in fingers 160decreasing the amount of sideways retention on adjuster pivot ball 50.To prevent adjuster pivot ball 50 from disengaging stamped ball socket110 from either of its two “open” sides, sidewalls 150 provideadditional sideways restriction on adjuster pivot ball 50. To accomplishthis task while still minimizing the amount of material used inconstruction of stamped ball socket 110, sidewalls 150 only extend frombase 120 to a height approximately even with the center of adjusterpivot ball 50. At this height, adjuster pivot ball 50 is trapped bysidewalls 150, lock-in fingers 160 and fastener 30, and sidewaysdisengagement is prevented.

Additionally, sidewalls 150 work along with lock-in fingers 160 toprovide a surface for adjuster pivot ball 50 to swivel against as theheadlights are aimed. Alternatively, larger lock-in fingers 160 may beused to provide more sideways retention by wrapping further around pivotball 50. If lock-in fingers 160 are large enough, then the need foradditional sideways retention by sidewalls 150 can be eliminated. Insuch cases sidewalls 150 can be bent inwards to provide additionalretention of the fastener if desired (not shown).

Like the previous embodiment, stamped ball socket 110 is a single,stamped piece, so it does not suffer from the loss of retention forcethat molded nylon pieces sustain when they are forced off their molds.Additionally, stamped ball socket 110 does not suffer from thedisadvantage of sensitivity to heat and moisture which can be a problemfor sockets molded from nylon. Instead, lock-in fingers 160 andsidewalls 150 of the present invention securely hold adjuster pivot ball50 in place through vibration conditions. Because of stamped ballsocket's 110 spring action walls 130 and lead-in tabs 140, the requiredball assembly force is also less than current designs when compared atequal retention values. It is also worth noting that the two wall designof this second exemplary embodiment requires less metal than theprevious embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention,stamped ball socket 180. Like the previously described embodiments,stamped ball socket 180 also utilizes a design stamped from a singleflat sheet of metal 190. The shape of this single flat sheet of metal190 is shown in FIG. 7. Also like the previous embodiments, stamped ballsocket 180 is configured to join a headlamp pod, such as headlamp pod20, and a mounting bracket, such as mounting bracket 40, containing anumber of adjuster pivot balls 50. Stamped ball socket 180 has asquare-shaped base 200 containing attachment hole 205 which allows forthe fastening of stamped ball socket 180 to a headlamp pod using anattachment screw (not shown). Again, base 200 could be of a shape otherthan square. As in the earlier described embodiments, other fasteners,such as a bolt, may be used instead of an attachment screw to allowstamped ball socket 180 to be attached to a headlamp.

Two walls 210 of stamped ball socket 180 each extend from opposite sidesof base 200. Two walls 210 are only attached on one side to base 200,allowing each wall 210 to flex. In the previous two embodiments, aroughly W-shaped piece is stamped out of each wall and each wall is thenbent outwards to simultaneously create lead-in tabs and lock-in fingers.Lock-in fingers 220 of the present embodiment are not formed in thismanner. Instead, the top of each wall 210 is cut to form an arcuate edgesurface. The top of each wall 210 is then folded inward back towardssquare base 200 to form angled lock-in fingers 220. As in the previousembodiments, the distance between the leading arcuate edges of lock-infingers 220 is less than the diameter of adjuster pivot ball 50.

The present embodiment also allows for adjuster pivot ball 50 to besnapped into stamped ball socket 180 in one assembly motion. Adjusterpivot ball 50 is manually guided through lock-in fingers 220 toward thebase of the socket. Adjuster pivot ball 50 is able to slip between thearcuate leading edges of angled lock-in fingers 220. As in the previousembodiments, adjuster pivot ball 50 may be inserted into stamped ballsocket 110 using only limited force because of the spring action of thesocket's two walls 210. This spring action allows lock-in fingers 220 toflex apart enlarging the distance between their arcuate edges toaccommodate adjuster pivot ball 50. However, once adjuster pivot ball 50is engaged in stamped ball socket 180, walls 210 spring back into placeand lock-in fingers 220 return to their original position so that thedistance between their arcuate sides becomes too small to allow adjusterpivot ball 50 to be removed. Whereas, upon insertion, the inward forceof adjuster pivot ball 50 pushes upon lock-in fingers 220 and flexeswalls 210. The angle of lock-in fingers 220 is such that outward forceon adjuster pivot ball 50 does not flex walls 210 and removal ofadjuster pivot ball 50 is prevented.

The design of the present embodiment results in wider lock-in fingers220 which encircle pivot ball 50 and provide both vertical and lateralretention of pivot ball 50. As a result, pivot ball 50 is securely heldin place between lock-in fingers 220 and the head of the fastenerwithout the need for additional means of sideways retention. Like theprevious embodiments, stamped ball socket 180 is a single, stampedpiece, so it does not suffer from the loss of retention force thatmolded nylon pieces sustain when they are forced off their molds.Additionally, stamped ball socket 180 does not suffer from thedisadvantage of sensitivity to heat and moisture which can be a problemfor sockets molded from nylon. Instead, lock-in fingers 220 of thepresent invention securely hold adjuster pivot ball 50 in place throughvibration conditions. Additionally, the present exemplary embodimentrequires less material than both of the previously described exemplaryembodiments.

Three exemplary embodiments of the current invention have been describedwhich pivotably attach a headlamp pod to a mounting bracket having oneor more adjuster pivot balls. This is accomplished by attaching thestamped ball sockets to the headlamp pod by utilizing a fastener (shownas an attachment screw) inserted through the attachment hole and intothe headlamp pod. The mounting bracket is then attached by inserting theadjuster pivot balls into the stamped ball sockets. However, the presentinvention may also be utilized to connect a headlamp pod with adjusterpivot balls to a mounting bracket without adjuster pivot balls simply bysecuring the stamped ball socket to the mounting bracket utilizing afastener inserted through the attachment hole and then inserting theadjuster pivot balls into the stamped ball sockets to secure theheadlamp pod.

While the present invention has been described in detail with referenceto certain exemplary embodiments thereof, such is offered by way ofnon-limiting example of the invention, as other versions are possible.It is anticipated that a variety of other modifications and changes willbe apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art and that suchmodifications and changes are intended to be encompassed within thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

1. A single piece stamped ball socket for attaching a headlamp pod to amounting bracket, the ball socket comprising: (a) a single piece ofmetal having a base and at least two flexing walls, each wall having aplurality of detached sides, a top portion, and a bottom portionintegral with said base, such that each wall is only attached to theball socket by its bottom portion, in order to allow each wall to flexinward and outward; and (b) at least two W-shaped, angled lock-infingers and at least two complementary W-shaped wall apertures, eachfinger having a portion that is integral with and extends away from oneof the top portions of the at least two walls and an end that is bentaway from said walls at an acute angle to form a triangular space therebetween, the end protruding at an angle inward toward said base fromsaid walls, the space extending through the at least two W-shaped wallapertures, each of said lock-in fingers positioned on one of said walls,so that when pressure is exerted on the lock-in fingers during insertionof the ball, said walls flex outward from the base to allow said pivotball to be inserted between said ends of said lock-in fingers and sothat when said pivot ball is fully inserted, the walls spring back totheir original position and said pivot ball is adjustably retained inthe ball socket by said ends of said lock-in fingers.
 2. The ball socketof claim 1 having four walls and four lock-in fingers.
 3. The ballsocket of claim 1 having four walls and two lock-in fingers.
 4. The ballsocket of claim 1 having two walls and two lock-in fingers.
 5. The ballsocket of claim 1 wherein said single piece of metal is heat-treatedspring steel.
 6. The ball socket of claim 1 wherein said single piece ofmetal is half-hard RC 32 300 series stainless steel.
 7. The ball socketof claim 1 wherein each of said lock-in fingers is formed by stamping aroughly W-shaped section in said single piece of metal.
 8. The ballsocket of claim 1 further comprising at least two lead-in tabs integralwith and protruding outward at an angle from said walls and said lock-infingers to aid in the insertion of the pivot ball.
 9. A single piecestamped ball socket for receiving a ball attached to the end of a post,the ball socket comprising: (a) a plurality of walls defining a ballretaining cavity having a bottom and a top; (b) a plurality of W-shapedfingers having finger ends and a plurality of complementary W-shapedwall apertures, the plurality of finger ends defining an opening smallerin size than the diameter of the ball and the fingers being integralwith the plurality of walls and extending inward toward the bottom ofthe ball retaining cavity at an acute angle with respect to theplurality of walls forming a triangular space between each finger andeach wall, each space extending through one of the plurality of W-shapedapertures; and (c) a plurality of angled lead-in tabs, each of thelead-in tabs being adjacent to and integral with one of the plurality ofwalls and one of the plurality of fingers, and each of the lead-in tabsextending outward and away from the walls, the fingers and the bottom ofthe ball retaining cavity at an acute angle with respect to theplurality of walls, in order to aid in the insertion of the ball. 10.The ball socket of claim 9 having four walls and four fingers.
 11. Theball socket of claim 9 having four walls and two fingers.
 12. The ballsocket of claim 9 having two walls and two fingers.
 13. The ball socketof claim 9, wherein each of said lock-in fingers is formed by stamping aroughly W-shaped section in a single piece of metal.
 14. The ball socketof claim 13, wherein said single piece of metal is heat-treated springsteel.
 15. The ball socket of claim 13, wherein said single piece ofmetal is half-hard RC 32 300 series stainless steel.